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Wilder AP, Steiner CC, Hendricks S, Haller BC, Kim C, Korody ML, Ryder OA. Genetic load and viability of a future restored northern white rhino population. Evol Appl 2024; 17:e13683. [PMID: 38617823 PMCID: PMC11009427 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
As biodiversity loss outpaces recovery, conservationists are increasingly turning to novel tools for preventing extinction, including cloning and in vitro gametogenesis of biobanked cells. However, restoration of populations can be hindered by low genetic diversity and deleterious genetic load. The persistence of the northern white rhino (Ceratotherium simum cottoni) now depends on the cryopreserved cells of 12 individuals. These banked genomes have higher genetic diversity than southern white rhinos (C. s. simum), a sister subspecies that successfully recovered from a severe bottleneck, but the potential impact of genetic load is unknown. We estimated how demographic history has shaped genome-wide genetic load in nine northern and 13 southern white rhinos. The bottleneck left southern white rhinos with more fixed and homozygous deleterious alleles and longer runs of homozygosity, whereas northern white rhinos retained more deleterious alleles masked in heterozygosity. To gauge the impact of genetic load on the fitness of a northern white rhino population restored from biobanked cells, we simulated recovery using fitness of southern white rhinos as a benchmark for a viable population. Unlike traditional restoration, cell-derived founders can be reintroduced in subsequent generations to boost lost genetic diversity and relieve inbreeding. In simulations with repeated reintroduction of founders into a restored population, the fitness cost of genetic load remained lower than that borne by southern white rhinos. Without reintroductions, rapid growth of the restored population (>20-30% per generation) would be needed to maintain comparable fitness. Our results suggest that inbreeding depression from genetic load is not necessarily a barrier to recovery of the northern white rhino and demonstrate how restoration from biobanked cells relieves some constraints of conventional restoration from a limited founder pool. Established conservation methods that protect healthy populations will remain paramount, but emerging technologies hold promise to bolster these tools to combat the extinction crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aryn P. Wilder
- Conservation GeneticsSan Diego Zoo Wildlife AllianceEscondidoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Cynthia C. Steiner
- Conservation GeneticsSan Diego Zoo Wildlife AllianceEscondidoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Sarah Hendricks
- Conservation GeneticsSan Diego Zoo Wildlife AllianceEscondidoCaliforniaUSA
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Data SciencesUniversity of IdahoMoscowIdahoUSA
| | | | - Chang Kim
- University of CaliforniaSanta Cruz Genomics InstituteSanta CruzCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Neurological SurgeryUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Marisa L. Korody
- Conservation GeneticsSan Diego Zoo Wildlife AllianceEscondidoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Oliver A. Ryder
- Conservation GeneticsSan Diego Zoo Wildlife AllianceEscondidoCaliforniaUSA
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2
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Sperm morphology and forward motility are indicators of reproductive success and are not age- or condition-dependent in a captive breeding population of endangered snake. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282845. [PMID: 36897888 PMCID: PMC10004498 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The relationship between male ejaculate traits and reproductive success is an important consideration for captive breeding programs. A recovery plan for the endangered Louisiana pinesnake includes captive breeding for the release of young to the wild. Semen was collected from twenty captive breeding male snakes and ejaculate traits of motility, morphology, and membrane viability were measured for each male. Semen traits were analyzed in relation to the fertilization rate of eggs produced from pairings of each male with a single female (% fertility) to determine the ejaculate factors contributing to reproductive success. In addition, we investigated the age- and condition-dependence of each ejaculate trait. We found significant variation in the ejaculate traits of males and normal sperm morphology ([Formula: see text] = 44.4 ± 13.6%, n = 19) and forward motility ([Formula: see text] = 61.0 ± 13.4%, n = 18) were found to be the best predictors of fertility. No ejaculate traits were found to be condition-dependent (P > 0.05). Forward progressive movement (FPM) ([Formula: see text] = 4 ± 0.5, n = 18) was determined to be age-dependent (r2 = 0.27, P = 0.028), but FPM was not included in the best model for rate of fertilization. Male Louisiana pinesnakes do not appear to experience a significant decline in reproductive potential with age (P > 0.05). The observed average rate of fertilization in the captive breeding colony was below 50% and only those pairings with a male having >51% normal sperm morphology avoided a 0% rate of fertilization. Identification of the factors contributing to the reproductive success of captive breeding Louisiana pinesnakes is of considerable conservation value in the recovery of the species, and captive breeding programs should use assessments of ejaculate traits to plan breeding pairs for maximum reproductive output.
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How can mating systems inform future biobanking strategies? An illustration using two Indonesian bovids, banteng (Bos javanicus) and lowland anoa (Bubalus depressicornis). Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 238:106943. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.106943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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4
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Discrimination of the two subspecies of Microtus hartingi(Rodentia: Arvicolinae) by shape and linear features of the spermatozoon. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF THERIOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.15298/rusjtheriol.20.2.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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5
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Loy A, Ciucci P, Guidarelli G, Roccotelli E, Colangelo P. Developmental instability and phenotypic evolution in a small and isolated bear population. Biol Lett 2021; 17:20200729. [PMID: 33878275 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2020.0729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We explored fluctuating asymmetry (FA) and morphological integration (MI) in the skull of the small, highly inbred and divergent Apennine bear (Ursus arctos marsicanus), to explore its uniqueness and investigate any potential effects of inbreeding depression. We used 3D geometric morphometrics contrasting Apennine bears with other two large outbred bear populations from Scandinavia and Kamchatka as controls. Shape divergence and variability were explored by a principal component analysis on aligned coordinates of 39 landmarks. Procrustes ANOVA, morphological disparity and the global integration index were used to explore FA, shape variance and MI. By remarking Apennine bears as a highly divergent phenotype, we recorded the highest FA and deviation from self-similarity compared with the other two control populations. We conclude that Apennine bears are likely facing developmental instability as a consequence of inbreeding depression, whereas the divergent trait covariance pattern may represent a potential source of evolutionary novelties. We discuss the implications for the conservation and management of this imperiled taxon.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Loy
- Envix Lab, Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, 86090 Pesche (IS), Italy
| | - P Ciucci
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies 'Charles Darwin', University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - G Guidarelli
- Envix Lab, Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, 86090 Pesche (IS), Italy
| | - E Roccotelli
- Envix Lab, Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, 86090 Pesche (IS), Italy
| | - P Colangelo
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems, National Research Council, 00015 Montelibretti, Rome, Italy
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Kordsmeyer TL, Thies YTK, Ekrami O, Stern J, Schild C, Spoiala C, Claes P, Van Dongen S, Penke L. No evidence for an association between facial fluctuating asymmetry and vocal attractiveness in men or women. EVOLUTIONARY HUMAN SCIENCES 2020; 2:e35. [PMID: 37588384 PMCID: PMC10427465 DOI: 10.1017/ehs.2020.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Facial fluctuating asymmetry (FA), presumably a proxy measure of developmental instability, has been proposed to inversely relate to vocal attractiveness, which may convey information on heritable fitness benefits. Using an improved method of measuring facial FA, we sought to replicate two recent studies that showed an inverse correlation of facial FA with vocal attractiveness. In two samples of men (N = 165) and women (N = 157), we investigated the association of automatically measured facial FA based on 3D face scans with male and female observer-rated attractiveness of voice recordings. No significant associations were found for men or women, also when controlling for facial attractiveness, age, and body mass index. Equivalence tests show that effect sizes were significantly smaller than previous meta-analytic effects, providing robust evidence against a link of facial FA with vocal attractiveness. Thus, our study contradicts earlier findings that vocal attractiveness may signal genetic quality in humans via an association with FA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias L. Kordsmeyer
- Department of Psychology and Leibniz Science Campus, Primate Cognition, University of Goettingen, Gosslerstr. 14, 37073Goettingen, Germany
| | - Yasmin T. K. Thies
- Department of Psychology and Leibniz Science Campus, Primate Cognition, University of Goettingen, Gosslerstr. 14, 37073Goettingen, Germany
| | - Omid Ekrami
- Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Julia Stern
- Department of Psychology and Leibniz Science Campus, Primate Cognition, University of Goettingen, Gosslerstr. 14, 37073Goettingen, Germany
| | - Christoph Schild
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 2A, 1353Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cristina Spoiala
- Nivel, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research, Otterstraat 118, 3513 CR Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Claes
- Department of Electrical Engineering–ESAT & Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stefan Van Dongen
- Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Lars Penke
- Department of Psychology and Leibniz Science Campus, Primate Cognition, University of Goettingen, Gosslerstr. 14, 37073Goettingen, Germany
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8
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Leśniak K. The incidence of, and relationship between, distal limb and facial asymmetry, and performance in the event horse. COMPARATIVE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.3920/cep190047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Identification of influential conformational traits is an important aspect in choosing the most appropriate horse for a specific discipline with regards to both performance potential and career longevity. Symmetry of bilateral traits, both functional and non-functional, demonstrates the ability of an individual to display their genotypic quality through their phenotype. External trait symmetry has been linked to effective functioning and health of a number of internal organ systems. The identification of a relationship between bilateral trait symmetry and performance in the equine athlete could highlight important conformational indicators of potential future performance. Using Invicta metric callipers and a tape measure, direct measurements of 15 bilateral traits, functional (limb) and non-functional (facial), were obtained from 18 advanced event horses (AdE) and 15 event horses proven incapable of reaching advanced level (NIE). Tests of difference were performed to determine differences in asymmetry between the two populations for individual traits and for identification of the mean total asymmetry (MTA) of the two populations. The AdE group demonstrated statistically lower asymmetry for a number of functional (metacarpal length and width, P≤0.05; fore proximal phalanx length, P≤0.05) and non-functional (nostril length, P≤0.001; pinna length, P≤0.05) traits. Furthermore, the AdE group demonstrated significantly lower MTA (P≤0.001) than the NIE. Where significance was not identified, all but one functional trait still demonstrated a trend for lower asymmetry in the AdE group. From the results, it is suggested that asymmetry levels have future potential to be used as an indicator of performance potential. The size of the mean asymmetry values being considered, further imply that the differences between the performance of the two groups cannot be as a result of limb biomechanics alone and that other more intricate biological disruptions, for example neurological development, may also be reflected by the trait asymmetries.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. Leśniak
- Equestrian Performance Research & Knowledge Exchange Arena, Hartpury University, Gloucestershire, GL19 3BE, United Kingdom
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9
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Mortimer D. The functional anatomy of the human spermatozoon: relating ultrastructure and function. Mol Hum Reprod 2019; 24:567-592. [PMID: 30215807 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gay040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Internet, magazine articles, and even biomedical journal articles, are full of cartoons of spermatozoa that bear minimal resemblance to real spermatozoa, especially human spermatozoa, and this had led to many misconceptions about what spermatozoa look like and how they are constituted. This review summarizes the historical and current state of knowledge of mammalian sperm ultrastructure, with particular emphasis on and relevance to human spermatozoa, combining information obtained from a variety of electron microscopic (EM) techniques. Available information on the composition and configuration of the various ultrastructural components of the spermatozoon has been related to their mechanistic purpose and roles in the primary aspects of sperm function and fertilization: motility, hyperactivation, capacitation, the acrosome reaction and sperm-oocyte fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Mortimer
- Oozoa Biomedical Inc., Caulfeild Village, West Vancouver, BC, Canada
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10
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Sipek J, Vozdova M, Prinosilova P, Kopecka V, Rubes J. Sperm and testicular measurements and sperm cryopreservation in the giraffe (Giraffa). EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-019-1257-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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11
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Morris MRJ, Kaufman R, Rogers SM. Heterozygosity and asymmetry:
Ectodysplasin
as a form of genetic stress in marine threespine stickleback. Evolution 2019; 73:378-389. [DOI: 10.1111/evo.13678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R. J. Morris
- Biological SciencesUniversity of Calgary 2500 University Dr NW Calgary AB T2N 1N4 Canada
- Current Address: Biological SciencesAmbrose University 150 Ambrose Cir SW Calgary AB T3H 0L5 Canada
| | - Rebecca Kaufman
- Biological SciencesUniversity of Calgary 2500 University Dr NW Calgary AB T2N 1N4 Canada
| | - Sean M. Rogers
- Biological SciencesUniversity of Calgary 2500 University Dr NW Calgary AB T2N 1N4 Canada
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12
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Paranzini CS, Correia LECDS, de Camargo LS, Silva KM, de França TM, Silva JADV, Veiga N, de Souza FF. Feasibility of semen collection in red-winged tinamou (Rhynchotus rufescens) by manual stimulation and sazonality implications. Theriogenology 2018; 107:36-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Revised: 10/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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13
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14
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Wojtusik J, Brown JL, Pukazhenthi BS. Non-invasive hormonal characterization of the ovarian cycle, pregnancy, and seasonal anestrus of the female addra gazelle (Nanger dama ruficollis). Theriogenology 2017; 95:96-104. [PMID: 28460687 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Revised: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Non-invasive fecal hormone metabolite monitoring was used to characterize the estrous cycle, pregnancy, and seasonal anestrus of the critically endangered addra gazelle (Nanger dama ruficollis). With less than 250 animals remaining in the wild and ∼168 individuals managed in captivity, it is crucial to maintain sustainable populations. Progestogen and estrogen profiles were obtained from analysis of fecal samples collected approximately every other day, within varying intervals, over the course of 7 years (n = 8 adult females). Average estrous cycle length was 19.5 ± 0.4 days (range, 14-26 days), with a luteal phase length of 14.6 ± 1.2 days (range, 10-16 days), and an inter-luteal period of 5.2 ± 1.4 days (range, 2-7 days). Mean gestation length for six pregnancies was 200.7 ± 0.4 days (range, 200-202 days). Fecal progestogens increased at 12 weeks of gestation and remained elevated until parturition. Addra gazelle females exhibited a period of seasonal anestrus with consistently low progestogen concentrations and no cyclic activity from about September to March. Analysis of reproductive and climate records demonstrated a peak in U.S. births that coincided with maximal rainfall in the native habitat of the addra gazelle. Results show that estrous cycle, luteal phase, and inter-luteal phase lengths in addra are similar to those observed in other gazelle species, however, to our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate seasonal anestrus in the Nanger genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessye Wojtusik
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Center for Species Survival, 1500 Remount Rd., Front Royal, VA 22630, USA; George Mason University, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, 4400 University Dr., Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
| | - Janine L Brown
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Center for Species Survival, 1500 Remount Rd., Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
| | - Budhan S Pukazhenthi
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Center for Species Survival, 1500 Remount Rd., Front Royal, VA 22630, USA.
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15
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Alcantar-Rodriguez A, Medrano A. The effect of cooling to different subzero temperatures on dog sperm cryosurvival. Reprod Domest Anim 2017; 52:422-428. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Alcantar-Rodriguez
- Departamento de Ciencias Pecuarias; Facultad de Estudios Superiores - Cuautitlan; Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico; Cuautitlan Izcalli Mexico
| | - A Medrano
- Departamento de Ciencias Pecuarias; Facultad de Estudios Superiores - Cuautitlan; Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico; Cuautitlan Izcalli Mexico
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Wojtusik J, Pennington P, Songsasen N, Padilla LR, Citino SB, Pukazhenthi BS. Pretreatment of Addra gazelle (Nanger dama ruficollis) spermatozoa with cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrins improves cryosurvival. Cryobiology 2016; 73:388-395. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2016.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Revised: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Joseph PN, Sasson DA, Allen PE, Somjee U, Miller CW. Adult nutrition, but not inbreeding, affects male primary sexual traits in the leaf-footed cactus bug Narnia femorata (Hemiptera: Coreidae). Ecol Evol 2016; 6:4792-9. [PMID: 27547313 PMCID: PMC4979707 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Revised: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Adverse conditions may be the norm rather than the exception in natural populations. Many populations experience poor nutrition on a seasonal basis. Further, brief interludes of inbreeding can be common as population density fluctuates and because of habitat fragmentation. Here, we investigated the effects of poor nutrition and inbreeding on traits that can be very important to reproductive success and fitness in males: testes mass, sperm concentration, and sperm viability. Our study species was Narnia femorata, a species introduced to north-central Florida in the 1950s. This species encounters regular, seasonal changes in diet that can have profound phenotypic effects on morphology and behavior. We generated inbred and outbred individuals through a single generation of full-sibling mating or outcrossing, respectively. All juveniles were provided a natural, high-quality diet of Opuntia humifusa cactus cladode with fruit until they reached adulthood. New adult males were put on a high- or low-quality diet for at least 21 days before measurements were taken. As expected, the low-quality diet led to significantly decreased testes mass in both inbred and outbred males, although there were surprisingly no detectable effects on sperm traits. We did not find evidence that inbreeding affected testes mass, sperm concentration, and sperm viability. Our results highlight the immediate and overwhelming effects of nutrition on testes mass, while suggesting that a single generation of inbreeding might not be detrimental for primary sexual traits in this particular population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul N Joseph
- Entomology and Nematology Department University of Florida 1881 Natural Area Drive Gainesville Florida 32608
| | - Daniel A Sasson
- Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience University of Florida 9505 Ocean Shore Blvd St. Augustine Florida 32080
| | - Pablo E Allen
- Entomology and Nematology Department University of Florida 1881 Natural Area Drive Gainesville Florida 32608
| | - Ummat Somjee
- Entomology and Nematology Department University of Florida 1881 Natural Area Drive Gainesville Florida 32608
| | - Christine W Miller
- Entomology and Nematology Department University of Florida 1881 Natural Area Drive Gainesville Florida 32608
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Moreno E, Pérez-González J, Carranza J, Moya-Laraño J. Better Fitness in Captive Cuvier's Gazelle despite Inbreeding Increase: Evidence of Purging? PLoS One 2015; 10:e0145111. [PMID: 26679703 PMCID: PMC4682998 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Captive breeding of endangered species often aims at preserving genetic diversity and to avoid the harmful effects of inbreeding. However, deleterious alleles causing inbreeding depression can be purged when inbreeding persists over several generations. Despite its great importance both for evolutionary biology and for captive breeding programmes, few studies have addressed whether and to which extent purging may occur. Here we undertake a longitudinal study with the largest captive population of Cuvier's gazelle managed under a European Endangered Species Programme since 1975. Previous results in this population have shown that highly inbred mothers tend to produce more daughters, and this fact was used in 2006 to reach a more appropriate sex-ratio in this polygynous species by changing the pairing strategy (i.e., pairing some inbred females instead of keeping them as surplus individuals in the population). Here, by using studbook data we explore whether purging has occurred in the population by investigating whether after the change in pairing strategy a) inbreeding and homozygosity increased at the population level, b) fitness (survival) increased, and c) the relationship between inbreeding and juvenile survival, was positive. Consistent with the existence of purging, we found an increase in inbreeding coefficients, homozygosity and juvenile survival. In addition, we showed that in the course of the breeding programme the relationship between inbreeding and juvenile survival was not uniform but rather changed over time: it was negative in the early years, flat in the middle years and positive after the change in pairing strategy. We highlight that by allowing inbred individuals to mate in captive stocks we may favour sex-ratio bias towards females, a desirable managing strategy to reduce the surplus of males that force most zoos to use ethical culling and euthanizing management tools. We discuss these possibilities but also acknowledge that many other effects should be considered before implementing inbreeding and purging as elements in management decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eulalia Moreno
- Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas (CSIC), Dept. Ecología Funcional y Evolutiva, Ctra. de Sacramento s/n, E-04120, La Cañada de San Urbano, Almería, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Javier Pérez-González
- Ungulate Research Unit, Cátedra de Recursos Cinegéticos y Piscícolas, Universidad de Córdoba, E-14071, Córdoba, Spain
- Guardería Rural, Mancomunidad Integral de Municipios Centro, E-06810, Calamonte, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Juan Carranza
- Ungulate Research Unit, Cátedra de Recursos Cinegéticos y Piscícolas, Universidad de Córdoba, E-14071, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Jordi Moya-Laraño
- Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas (CSIC), Dept. Ecología Funcional y Evolutiva, Ctra. de Sacramento s/n, E-04120, La Cañada de San Urbano, Almería, Spain
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Álvarez G, Ceballos FC, Berra TM. Darwin was right: inbreeding depression on male fertility in the Darwin family. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/bij.12433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Álvarez
- Department of Genetics; Faculty of Biology; University of Santiago de Compostela; 15782 Santiago de Compostela Spain
| | - Francisco C. Ceballos
- Department of Genetics; Faculty of Biology; University of Santiago de Compostela; 15782 Santiago de Compostela Spain
| | - Tim M. Berra
- Department of Evolution; Ecology and Organismal Biology; The Ohio State University; 1760 University Dr.; Mansfield OH 44906 USA
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods; Charles Darwin University; Darwin NT Australia
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20
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Losdat S, Chang SM, Reid JM. Inbreeding depression in male gametic performance. J Evol Biol 2014; 27:992-1011. [DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Revised: 04/01/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Losdat
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences; School of Biological Sciences; University of Aberdeen; Aberdeen UK
| | - S.-M. Chang
- Plant Biology Department; University of Georgia; Athens GA USA
| | - J. M. Reid
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences; School of Biological Sciences; University of Aberdeen; Aberdeen UK
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Hieb EE, Nelson DH, Morris AB. Genetic monitoring reveals loss of microsatellite diversity in a breeding population of the endangered Alabama red-bellied turtle. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2014. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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22
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Lerp H, Plath M, Wronski T, Bärmann EV, Malczyk A, Resch RR, Streit B, Pfenninger M. Utility of island populations in re-introduction programmes - relationships between Arabian gazelles (Gazella arabica) from the Farasan Archipelago and endangered mainland populations. Mol Ecol 2014; 23:1910-22. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.12694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Lerp
- Evolutionary Ecology Group; J.W. Goethe-University Frankfurt; Max-von-Laue-Str. 13 Frankfurt am Main 60438 Germany
- Evolutionary Biology; Institute of Zoology; Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz; Johannes von Müller Weg 6 Mainz 55128 Germany
| | - Martin Plath
- Evolutionary Ecology Group; J.W. Goethe-University Frankfurt; Max-von-Laue-Str. 13 Frankfurt am Main 60438 Germany
| | - Torsten Wronski
- Zoological Society of London; Conservation Programs; Regent's Park London NW1 4RY UK
- King Khalid Wildlife Research Centre; Saudi Wildlife Authority; P.O. Box 61681 Riyadh 11575 Saudi Arabia
| | - Eva V. Bärmann
- Museum of Zoology; Department of Zoology; University of Cambridge; Downing Street Cambridge CB2 3EJ UK
- Museum für Naturkunde; Leibniz-Institut für Evolutions- und Biodiversitätsforschung; Invalidenstrasse 43 Berlin 10115 Germany
| | - Anna Malczyk
- Evolutionary Ecology Group; J.W. Goethe-University Frankfurt; Max-von-Laue-Str. 13 Frankfurt am Main 60438 Germany
| | - Revina-Rosa Resch
- Evolutionary Ecology Group; J.W. Goethe-University Frankfurt; Max-von-Laue-Str. 13 Frankfurt am Main 60438 Germany
| | - Bruno Streit
- Evolutionary Ecology Group; J.W. Goethe-University Frankfurt; Max-von-Laue-Str. 13 Frankfurt am Main 60438 Germany
| | - Markus Pfenninger
- Molecular Ecology Group; Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F) by Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung and Goethe University; Frankfurt am Main 60325 Germany
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Ala-Honkola O, Manier MK, Lüpold S, Droge-Young EM, Collins WF, Belote JM, Pitnick S. No inbreeding depression in sperm storage ability or offspring viability in Drosophila melanogaster females. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2014; 60:1-6. [PMID: 24188987 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2013.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2013] [Revised: 10/21/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Mating between relatives usually decreases genetic quality of progeny as deleterious recessive alleles are expressed in inbred individuals. Inbreeding degrades sperm traits but its effects on sperm storage and fate within females are currently unknown. We quantified the relationship between the degrees of inbreeding relevant to natural populations (f=0, 0.25 and 0.50) and the number of sperm inseminated and stored, sperm swimming speed, long-term sperm viability while in storage, pattern of sperm precedence, mating latency, and offspring viability of female Drosophila melanogaster. The use of transgenic flies that have either red or green fluorescent sperm heads allowed us to distinguish two ejaculates in the female reproductive tract and facilitated quantification of sperm storage and use traits. We found no inbreeding depression in either long- or short-term sperm storage ability. The most inbred females exhibited significantly longer mating latency, which could be explained by males preferring to mate with outbred females. On the other hand, as no evidence for cryptic male choice in the form of ejaculate tailoring of sperm number was found, the most inbred females might just be less eager to mate. We also found no evidence that the degree of maternal inbreeding influenced offspring viability. Comparison with a contemporaneous study of male inbreeding consequences for ejaculate quality suggests that inbreeding depression is more severe in males than in females in our study population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Outi Ala-Honkola
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, PO Box 35, 40014, Finland; Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA.
| | - Mollie K Manier
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA; The George Washington University, Biological Sciences, 2023 G St. NW, Washington, DC 20052, USA.
| | - Stefan Lüpold
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA.
| | | | - William F Collins
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA.
| | - John M Belote
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA.
| | - Scott Pitnick
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA.
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25
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Non-adaptive phenotypic evolution of the endangered carnivore Lycaon pictus. PLoS One 2013; 8:e73856. [PMID: 24086298 PMCID: PMC3781135 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0073856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2013] [Accepted: 07/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Decline in wild populations as a result of anthropogenic impact is widely considered to have evolutionary consequences for the species concerned. Here we examine changes in developmental stability in the painted hunting dog (Lycaon pictus), which once occupied most of sub-Saharan Africa but has undergone a dramatic population decline in the last century. Fluctuating asymmetry (FA) was used as an indicator of developmental stability and measured in museum skull specimens spanning a hundred year period. A comparison with the more ubiquitous black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas) revealed FA in L. pictus to be high. Furthermore, the data indicate a temporal increase in FA over time in L. pictus, corresponding to the period of its population decline. The high rate of change is compatible with genetic drift although environmental factors are also likely to be important. Lowering developmental stability over time may have direct fitness consequences and as such represents an unacknowledged threat to future resilience of the population.
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Ala-Honkola O, Hosken DJ, Manier MK, Lüpold S, Droge-Young EM, Berben KS, Collins WF, Belote JM, Pitnick S. Inbreeding reveals mode of past selection on male reproductive characters in Drosophila melanogaster. Ecol Evol 2013; 3:2089-102. [PMID: 23919154 PMCID: PMC3728949 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2013] [Revised: 05/03/2013] [Accepted: 05/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Directional dominance is a prerequisite of inbreeding depression. Directionality arises when selection drives alleles that increase fitness to fixation and eliminates dominant deleterious alleles, while deleterious recessives are hidden from it and maintained at low frequencies. Traits under directional selection (i.e., fitness traits) are expected to show directional dominance and therefore an increased susceptibility to inbreeding depression. In contrast, traits under stabilizing selection or weakly linked to fitness are predicted to exhibit little-to-no inbreeding depression. Here, we quantify the extent of inbreeding depression in a range of male reproductive characters and then infer the mode of past selection on them. The use of transgenic populations of Drosophila melanogaster with red or green fluorescent-tagged sperm heads permitted in vivo discrimination of sperm from competing males and quantification of characteristics of ejaculate composition, performance, and fate. We found that male attractiveness (mating latency) and competitive fertilization success (P2) both show some inbreeding depression, suggesting they may have been under directional selection, whereas sperm length showed no inbreeding depression suggesting a history of stabilizing selection. However, despite having measured several sperm quality and quantity traits, our data did not allow us to discern the mechanism underlying the lowered competitive fertilization success of inbred (f = 0.50) males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Outi Ala-Honkola
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University Syracuse, New York ; Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä PO Box 35, 40014, Finland
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27
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van Bergen E, Brakefield PM, Heuskin S, Zwaan BJ, Nieberding CM. The scent of inbreeding: a male sex pheromone betrays inbred males. Proc Biol Sci 2013; 280:20130102. [PMID: 23466986 PMCID: PMC3619463 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2013.0102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Accepted: 02/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Inbreeding depression results from mating among genetically related individuals and impairs reproductive success. The decrease in male mating success is usually attributed to an impact on multiple fitness-related traits that reduce the general condition of inbred males. Here, we find that the production of the male sex pheromone is reduced significantly by inbreeding in the butterfly Bicyclus anynana. Other traits indicative of the general condition, including flight performance, are also negatively affected in male butterflies by inbreeding. Yet, we unambiguously show that only the production of male pheromones affects mating success. Thus, this pheromone signal informs females about the inbreeding status of their mating partners. We also identify the specific chemical component (hexadecanal) probably responsible for the decrease in male mating success. Our results advocate giving increased attention to olfactory communication as a major causal factor of mate-choice decisions and sexual selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik van Bergen
- Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, RA 2300 Leiden, The Netherlands.
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28
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Ramón M, Pérez-Guzmán MD, Jiménez-Rabadán P, Esteso MC, García-Álvarez O, Maroto-Morales A, Anel-López L, Soler AJ, Fernández-Santos MR, Garde JJ. Sperm cell population dynamics in ram semen during the cryopreservation process. PLoS One 2013; 8:e59189. [PMID: 23544054 PMCID: PMC3609831 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2012] [Accepted: 02/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sperm cryopreservation has become an indispensable tool in biology. Initially, studies were aimed towards the development of efficient freezing protocols in different species that would allow for an efficient storage of semen samples for long periods of time, ensuring its viability. Nowadays, it is widely known that an important individual component exists in the cryoresistance of semen, and efforts are aimed at identifying those sperm characteristics that may allow us to predict this cryoresistance. This knowledge would lead, ultimately, to the design of optimized freezing protocols for the sperm characteristics of each male. Methodology/Principal Findings We have evaluated the changes that occur in the sperm head dimensions throughout the cryopreservation process. We have found three different patterns of response, each of one related to a different sperm quality at thawing. We have been able to characterize males based on these patterns. For each male, its pattern remained constant among different ejaculates. This latter would imply that males always respond in the same way to freezing, giving even more importance to this sperm feature. Conclusions/Significance Changes in the sperm head during cryopreservation process have resulted useful to identify the ability of semen of males for freezing. We suggest that analyses of these response patterns would represent an important tool to characterize the cryoresistance of males when implemented within breeding programs. We also propose follow-up experiments to examine the outcomes of the use of different freezing protocols depending on the pattern of response of males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Ramón
- CERSYRA, Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, Valdepeñas, Spain.
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Heber S, Varsani A, Kuhn S, Girg A, Kempenaers B, Briskie J. The genetic rescue of two bottlenecked South Island robin populations using translocations of inbred donors. Proc Biol Sci 2012; 280:20122228. [PMID: 23235701 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2012.2228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Populations forced through bottlenecks typically lose genetic variation and exhibit inbreeding depression. 'Genetic rescue' techniques that introduce individuals from outbred populations can be highly effective in reversing the deleterious effects of inbreeding, but have limited application for the majority of endangered species, which survive only in a few bottlenecked populations. We tested the effectiveness of using highly inbred populations as donors to rescue two isolated and bottlenecked populations of the South Island robin (Petroica australis). Reciprocal translocations significantly increased heterozygosity and allelic diversity. Increased genetic diversity was accompanied by increased juvenile survival and recruitment, sperm quality, and immunocompetence of hybrid individuals (crosses between the two populations) compared with inbred control individuals (crosses within each population). Our results confirm that the implementation of 'genetic rescue' using bottlenecked populations as donors provides a way of preserving endangered species and restoring their viability when outbred donor populations no longer exist.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Heber
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand.
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Ruiz-López MJ, Gañan N, Godoy JA, Del Olmo A, Garde J, Espeso G, Vargas A, Martinez F, Roldán ERS, Gomendio M. Heterozygosity-fitness correlations and inbreeding depression in two critically endangered mammals. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2012; 26:1121-1129. [PMID: 22897325 DOI: 10.1111/j.1523-1739.2012.01916.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2012] [Revised: 04/26/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The relation among inbreeding, heterozygosity, and fitness has been studied primarily among outbred populations, and little is known about these phenomena in endangered populations. Most researchers conclude that the relation between coefficient of inbreeding estimated from pedigrees and fitness traits (inbreeding-fitness correlations) better reflects inbreeding depression than the relation between marker heterozygosity and fitness traits (heterozygosity-fitness correlations). However, it has been suggested recently that heterozygosity-fitness correlations should only be expected when inbreeding generates extensive identity disequilibrium (correlations in heterozygosity and homozygosity across loci throughout the genome). We tested this hypothesis in Mohor gazelle (Gazella dama mhorr) and Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus). For Mohor gazelle, we calculated the inbreeding coefficient and measured heterozygosity at 17 microsatellite loci. For Iberian lynx, we measured heterozygosity at 36 microsatellite loci. In both species we estimated semen quality, a phenotypic trait directly related to fitness that is controlled by many loci and is affected by inbreeding depression. Both species showed evidence of extensive identity disequilibrium, and in both species heterozygosity was associated with semen quality. In the Iberian lynx the low proportion of normal sperm associated with low levels of heterozygosity was so extreme that it is likely to limit the fertility of males. In Mohor gazelle, although heterozygosity was associated with semen quality, inbreeding coefficient was not. This result suggests that when coefficient of inbreeding is calculated on the basis of a genealogy that begins after a long history of inbreeding, the coefficient of inbreeding fails to capture previous demographic information because it is a poor estimator of accumulated individual inbreeding. We conclude that among highly endangered species with extensive identity disequilibrium, examination of heterozygosity-fitness correlations may be an effective way to detect inbreeding depression, whereas inbreeding-fitness correlations may be poor indicators of inbreeding depression if the pedigree does not accurately reflect the history of inbreeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Ruiz-López
- Reproductive Ecology and Biology Group, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), c/José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain
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31
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Mehlis M, Frommen JG, Rahn AK, Bakker TCM. Inbreeding in three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatusL.): effects on testis and sperm traits. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8312.2012.01950.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marion Mehlis
- Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Ecology; University of Bonn; An der Immenburg 1 D-53121 Bonn Germany
| | - Joachim G. Frommen
- Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Ecology; University of Bonn; An der Immenburg 1 D-53121 Bonn Germany
- Department of Behavioural Ecology; Institute of Ecology and Evolution; University of Bern; Wohlenstrasse 50a CH-3032 Hinterkappelen Switzerland
| | - Anna K. Rahn
- Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Ecology; University of Bonn; An der Immenburg 1 D-53121 Bonn Germany
| | - Theo C. M. Bakker
- Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Ecology; University of Bonn; An der Immenburg 1 D-53121 Bonn Germany
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Santiago-Moreno J, Gómez-Brunet A, Toledano-Díaz A, Salas-Vega R, Gómez-Guillamón F, López-Sebastián A. Role of testosterone and photoperiod on seasonal changes in horn growth and sperm variables in the Iberian ibex: a model for polygynous wild bovids. J Endocrinol 2012; 214:155-63. [PMID: 22645301 DOI: 10.1530/joe-12-0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
This work examines the effect of testosterone secretion and photoperiod on seasonal changes in horn growth and sperm variables in the Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica), here used as a model for polygynous wild bovids. The hypothesis that high levels of testosterone provide an endocrine signal that inhibits horn growth in autumn was tested by assessing the effect of cyproterone acetate (CA), an anti-androgen, administered in October - coinciding with the period of natural increases in plasma testosterone concentrations - under different photoperiodic conditions (natural photoperiod and artificial long days). The persistence of horn growth during autumn in all ibexes held under the long-day photoperiodic conditions clearly shows that horn growth regulation in the mating season is primarily modulated by day length and not by a fall in testosterone concentration. A retrospectively designed second experiment involving testosterone propionate (TP) administration in April (when horns are growing) was then undertaken to confirm that high levels of testosterone do not inhibit horn growth. Overall, the results strongly suggest that the rise in testosterone secretion during the autumn mating season does not act as an endocrine signal for the arrest of horn growth, although the rate of horn growth before the mating season may be related to springtime testosterone levels. A direct relationship was seen between the rate of horn growth and the incidence of sperm abnormalities. Neither CA treatment in October nor TP administration in April affected the studied sperm variables. By contrast, CA treatment plus artificial long days in autumn had a negative effect on sperm motility and sperm morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Santiago-Moreno
- Department of Animal Reproduction, INIA, Avenida Puerta de Hierro Km 5.9, Madrid 28040, Spain.
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Ibáñez B, Moreno E, Barbosa A. Parity, but not inbreeding, affects juvenile mortality in two captive endangered gazelles. Anim Conserv 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-1795.2012.00580.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- B. Ibáñez
- Departamento de Ecología Funcional y Evolutiva; Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas (CSIC); Almería; Spain
| | - E. Moreno
- Departamento de Ecología Funcional y Evolutiva; Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas (CSIC); Almería; Spain
| | - A. Barbosa
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva; Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales; Madrid; Spain
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High levels of fluctuating asymmetry in isolated stickleback populations. BMC Evol Biol 2012; 12:115. [PMID: 22788717 PMCID: PMC3462701 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2148-12-115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2012] [Accepted: 07/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fluctuating asymmetry (FA), defined as small random deviations from the ideal bilateral symmetry, has been hypothesized to increase in response to both genetic and environmental stress experienced by a population. We compared levels of FA in 12 bilateral meristic traits (viz. lateral-line system neuromasts and lateral plates), and heterozygosity in 23 microsatellite loci, among four marine (high piscine predation risk) and four pond (zero piscine predation risk) populations of nine-spined sticklebacks (Pungitius pungitius). Results Pond sticklebacks had on average three times higher levels of FA than marine fish and this difference was highly significant. Heterozygosity in microsatellite markers was on average two times lower in pond (HE ≈ 0.3) than in marine (HE ≈ 0.6) populations, and levels of FA and heterozygosity were negatively correlated across populations. However, after controlling for habitat effect on heterozygosity, levels of FA and heterozygosity were uncorrelated. Conclusions The fact that levels of FA in traits likely to be important in the context of predator evasion were elevated in ponds compared to marine populations suggests that relaxed selection for homeostasis in ponds lacking predatory fish may be responsible for the observed habitat difference in levels of FA. This inference also aligns with the observation that the levels of genetic variability across the populations did not explain population differences in levels of FA after correcting for habitat effect. Hence, while differences in strength of selection, rather than in the degree of genetic stress could be argued to explain habitat differences in levels of FA, the hypothesis that increased FA in ponds is caused by genetic stress cannot be rejected.
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Maroto-Morales A, Ramón M, García-Álvarez O, Soler A, Fernández-Santos M, Roldan E, Gomendio M, Pérez-Guzmán M, Garde J. Morphometrically-distinct sperm subpopulations defined by a multistep statistical procedure in Ram ejaculates: intra- and interindividual variation. Theriogenology 2012; 77:1529-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2011] [Revised: 11/27/2011] [Accepted: 11/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Beausoleil JMJ, Doucet SM, Heath DD, Pitcher TE. Spawning coloration, female choice and sperm competition in the redside dace, Clinostomus elongatus. Anim Behav 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2012.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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37
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Prieto M, Campo J, Santiago-Moreno J. Relationship among fluctuating asymmetry, morphological traits, and sperm quality in layers. Poult Sci 2011; 90:2845-54. [DOI: 10.3382/ps.2011-01648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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38
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Pérez-González J, Carranza J. Female aggregation interacts with population structure to influence the degree of polygyny in red deer. Anim Behav 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2011.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Thulin CG, Englund L, Ericsson G, Spong G. The impact of founder events and introductions on genetic variation in the muskox Ovibos moschatus in Sweden. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-011-0035-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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40
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Leclaire S, Merkling T, Raynaud C, Mulard H, Bessière JM, Lhuillier E, Hatch SA, Danchin E. Semiochemical compounds of preen secretion reflect genetic make-up in a seabird species. Proc Biol Sci 2011; 279:1185-93. [PMID: 21937499 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2011.1611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Several vertebrates choose their mate according to genetic heterozygosity and relatedness, and use odour cues to assess their conspecifics' genetic make-up. In birds, although several species (including the black-legged kittiwake) exhibit non-random mating according to genetic traits, the cues used to assess genetic characteristics remain unknown. The importance of olfaction in birds' social behaviour is gaining attention among researchers, and it has been suggested that, as in other vertebrates, bird body scent may convey information about genetic traits. Here, we combined gas chromatography data and genetic analyses at microsatellite loci to test whether semiochemical messages in preen secretion of kittiwakes carried information about genetic heterozygosity and relatedness. Semiochemical profile was correlated with heterozygosity in males and females, while semiochemical distance was correlated with genetic distance only in male-male dyads. Our study is the first to demonstrate a link between odour and genetics in birds, which sets the stage for the existence of sophisticated odour-based mechanisms of mate choice also in birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Leclaire
- CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier, ENFA, UMR5174 EDB (Laboratoire Évolution et Diversité Biologique), Toulouse, France.
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Integument coloration signals reproductive success, heterozygosity, and antioxidant levels in chick-rearing black-legged kittiwakes. Naturwissenschaften 2011; 98:773-82. [DOI: 10.1007/s00114-011-0827-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2011] [Revised: 07/01/2011] [Accepted: 07/02/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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42
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Sheehan MJ, Tibbetts EA. Condition dependence and the origins of elevated fluctuating asymmetry in quality signals. Behav Ecol 2011. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arr101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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43
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44
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OKADA K, BLOUNT JD, SHARMA MD, SNOOK RR, HOSKEN DJ. Male attractiveness, fertility and susceptibility to oxidative stress are influenced by inbreeding in Drosophila simulans. J Evol Biol 2010; 24:363-71. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1420-9101.2010.02170.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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45
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Drayton JM, Milner RNC, Hall MD, Jennions MD. Inbreeding and courtship calling in the cricket Teleogryllus commodus. J Evol Biol 2010; 24:47-58. [PMID: 21054622 DOI: 10.1111/j.1420-9101.2010.02135.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J M Drayton
- Evolution, Ecology & Genetics, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
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Malo AF, Martinez-Pastor F, Alaks G, Dubach J, Lacy RC. Effects of Genetic Captive-Breeding Protocols on Sperm Quality and Fertility in the White-Footed Mouse1. Biol Reprod 2010; 83:540-8. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.110.085316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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Ruiz-López MJ, Espeso G, Evenson DP, Roldan ERS, Gomendio M. Paternal levels of DNA damage in spermatozoa and maternal parity influence offspring mortality in an endangered ungulate. Proc Biol Sci 2010; 277:2541-6. [PMID: 20392732 PMCID: PMC2894927 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2010.0333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2010] [Accepted: 03/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding which factors influence offspring mortality rates is a major challenge since it influences population dynamics and may constrain the chances of recovery among endangered species. Most studies have focused on the effects of maternal and environmental factors, but little is known about paternal factors. Among most polygynous mammals, males only contribute the haploid genome to their offspring, but the possibility that sperm DNA integrity may influence offspring survival has not been explored. We examined several maternal, paternal and individual factors that may influence offspring survival in an endangered species (Gazella cuvieri). Levels of sperm DNA damage had the largest impact upon offspring mortality rates, followed by maternal parity. In addition, there was a significant interaction between these two variables, so that offspring born to primiparous mothers were more likely to die if their father had high levels of sperm DNA damage, but this was not the case among multiparous mothers. Thus, multiparous mothers seem to protect their offspring from the deleterious effects of sperm DNA damage. Since levels of sperm DNA damage seem to be higher among endangered species, more attention should be paid to the impact of this largely ignored factor among the viability of endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Ruiz-López
- Reproductive Ecology and Biology Group, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), José Gutierrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gerardo Espeso
- Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas (CSIC), General Segura 1, 04001 Almería, Spain
| | - Donald P. Evenson
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, ASC 136, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
| | - Eduardo R. S. Roldan
- Reproductive Ecology and Biology Group, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), José Gutierrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Montserrat Gomendio
- Reproductive Ecology and Biology Group, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), José Gutierrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain
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Drayton JM, Milner RNC, Hunt J, Jennions MD. Inbreeding and advertisement calling in the cricket Teleogryllus commodus: laboratory and field experiments. Evolution 2010; 64:3069-83. [PMID: 20662924 DOI: 10.1111/j.1558-5646.2010.01053.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
If sexually selected traits reveal a male's heterozygosity or condition to females, then such traits should exhibit declines with inbreeding. We tested this by examining the effect of inbreeding on advertisement calling in male crickets Teleogryllus commodus. We investigated the effect of one generation of full-sibling mating on calling effort and fine-scale call structure. Inbreeding reduced calling effort but had no effect on call structure. We then compared the attractiveness of inbred and outbred calls in the field by monitoring how many wild females were attracted to each call type. From the field data, we conducted a selection analysis to identify the major axes of linear and nonlinear multivariate sexual selection on call structure. A comparison of multivariate attractiveness of inbred and outbred calls along each major axis of selection revealed no difference in attractiveness. Our results suggest that inbred male calls have a fine-scale structure that is no less attractive to females than that of outbred calls. However, because inbred males call less often, and female T. commodus prefer males with a higher calling effort, inbred males will suffer reductions in mating success. Females who base mate choice on call rate are therefore using a signal correlated with male heterozygosity and/or condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean M Drayton
- Evolution, Ecology & Genetics, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
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Michalczyk L, Martin OY, Millard AL, Emerson BC, Gage MJG. Inbreeding depresses sperm competitiveness, but not fertilization or mating success in male Tribolium castaneum. Proc Biol Sci 2010; 277:3483-91. [PMID: 20554548 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2010.0514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
As populations decline to levels where reproduction among close genetic relatives becomes more probable, subsequent increases in homozygous recessive deleterious expression and/or loss of heterozygote advantage can lead to inbreeding depression. Here, we measure how inbreeding across replicate lines of the flour beetle Tribolium castaneum impacts on male reproductive fitness in the absence or presence of male-male competition. Effects on male evolution from mating pattern were removed by enforcing monogamous mating throughout. After inbreeding across eight generations, we found that male fertility in the absence of competition was unaffected. However, we found significant inbreeding depression of sperm competitiveness: non-inbred males won 57 per cent of fertilizations in competition, while inbred equivalents only sired 42 per cent. We also found that the P(2) 'offence' role in sperm competition was significantly more depressed under inbreeding than sperm 'defence' (P(1)). Mating behaviour did not explain these differences, and there was no difference in the viability of offspring sired by inbred or non-inbred males. Sperm length variation was significantly greater in the ejaculates of inbred males. Our results show that male ability to achieve normal fertilization success was not depressed under strong inbreeding, but that inbreeding depression in these traits occurred when conditions of sperm competition were generated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz Michalczyk
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
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50
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Zajitschek SRK, Brooks RC. Inbreeding depression in male traits and preference for outbred males in Poecilia reticulata. Behav Ecol 2010. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arq077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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